December is now in full seasonal swing. The present shopping, for many, is complete, homes are decorated (well, some), and work parties are being enjoyed. So, now it’s time to get wrapping before the big food shop and meal preparations begin.
Present wrapping is often a repetitive activity and can be stressful, especially if you’re trying to do it away from prying eyes! Your body, however, will thank you if you plan how and when.
The British Chiropractic Association has this to say:
“Repetitive activities such as wrapping lots of presents in a single sitting can put a lot of pressure on your body. To prevent this, take regular breaks and/or spread your wrapping across multiple sittings. Another good idea is to wrap your presents at different heights. For example, on the floor, sat at the table, or even standing over an ironing board . . . it’s the perfect adjustable height.”
We love the ironing board idea, although a few of us may be using an adjustable chiropractic bench. Ho ho ho!
A few more tips from us:
Wrapping is much easier (and more fun) when you have some help, especially for large and awkwardly shaped pressies. Someone to hold down the paper so you don’t have to become a contortionist when reaching for the tape and to keep you supplied with hot beverages, perhaps a little mulled wine or even something stronger, definitely enhances the festive moment.
Selecting a good pair of scissors for the job can also prevent unnecessary strain to your hands. Avoid the tiny (and especially the plastic) scissors often given to children. Equally, avoid overlarge scissors that can be heavy and cumbersome to use. A strong pair of paper scissors with stainless steel or titanium blades, or even kitchen scissors, are ideal for the job. And, if you’re left-handed, special left-handed scissors make a huge difference to the ease with which you can glide through your wrapping paper.
Using a tape dispenser not only alleviates the stress of continually losing the end but will cause less strain to your hands than continually scraping for the end of the tape and peeling it back.
So, unless your purchases are ready-wrapped, or you have magical folk to help, get wrapping the chiropractic way and stop repetitive strain from spoiling your Christmas.
Remember, if the stresses and strains of the pre-Christmas period are having a negative impact on your body, we are here to help!
BOOK ONLINE or call 01590 679560 for appointments with chiropractors Colin, Charlotte and Fiona, and massage therapist Hannah.
For acupuncture appointments, call Amanda directly on 07876 343 821.
For podiatry appointments, call Paul directly at 07857 137732.